NURSING (OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH)

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: In addition to a high degree of analytical ability, positions in this series require specialized knowledge of the basic principles and practices related to the management of occupational health care delivery systems. Must have experiences in planning for and the execution of state occupational health and industrial hygiene programs.

Must have at least 12 months experience in one of the medical service core functions, which are prescribed as: Health facilities, health plan management, medical resources, health care information, management and information technology, medical logistics, and medical readiness. Must have demonstrated skills in written and oral communication.

Must have at least 12 months experience, education, or training which provided working knowledge of the principles and practices related to the management of occupational health care delivery systems. Have experiences in analyzing and recommending solutions to complicated problems related to health systems. Experiences must include a working knowledge of missions, organizations, programs, and requirements of occupational health care delivery systems.

Experiences in briefing senior leaders on related subjects are required. Experiences are preferred in occupational health services management; hospital administration and practice; contractual and accounting fundamentals; quality management; human resource management; and biometrics. Knowledge of occupational health standards of practice; preventive medicine concepts, medical executive skills/competencies and contingency plans is preferred.

Comprehensive knowledge of health hazards in the workplace and required preventive measures needed to establish evaluation methodologies, provide consultative services, and develop programs suitable for areas of responsibility.

Experiences and ability to administer an occupational health program with diverse elements peculiar to military settings, achieving compliance with regulatory provisions, and effectively communicating multiple occupational procedures and practices to both preventive medicine staff and line personnel.

Experiences in planning, organizing, directing, budgeting, coordinating and evaluating operations, work processes, human-machine interactions and environmental conditions that impact the health and efficiency of personnel. Experiences in multi-disciplinary investigations to evaluate biological and toxicological effects of widely-used chemicals/toxicants and other potentially hazardous materials.

Competent knowledge of regulatory guidelines such as, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Act of 1970, Federal Employees Compensation Act, Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), the Code of Federal Regulations, and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Working knowledge of Workers Compensation Program principles, concepts, rules, laws, regulations and precedent decisions in order identify pertinent Workers Compensation Programs elements and program deficiencies; and to recommend desirable courses of management actions and decisions to define likely modes of failure, including procedural deficiencies and their effects upon the efficiency of the system.

Working knowledge of the Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA) is necessary to discuss employees' medical condition with physicians and medical personnel and, as necessary, establish validity of claim and the ability to return to work. Ability to establish sound working relationships with other professionals including Federal, State, and private occupational health medical personnel who are inside and outside the agency, commanders, supervisors, and workers.

Skilled in utilizing a variety of automated systems and technology (e.g., Medical Operational Data Systems (MODS) and the DoD Occupational Environmental Health Readiness System (DOEHRS). MUST HAVE experiences in mentoring, leading, and managing people and occupational health business, which include training, directing, and assigning tasks and projects to personnel. Demonstrated experiences and abilities to supervise the business tasks, as well as, motivate and inspire are mandatory.

Must have working knowledge of equal employment and affirmative action programs.

Location: Joint Force Headquarters - State (JFHQ-ST), Special Staff, and Office of the State Surgeon. The primary purpose of this position is to manage a comprehensive Occupational Health Program for the state. Serves as the Occupational Health Nurse (OHN) consultant and principle advisor to the Adjutant General (TAG) on occupational health initiatives. Plans, develops, and analyzes the occupational health nursing services provided to National Guard personnel throughout the state.

MAJOR DUTIES: Establishes, manages and maintains a comprehensive Occupational Health Program: Plans, develops, analyses, and reviews occupational health nursing services and program requirements and determines impact on National Guard military and civilian personnel and public health.

This requires formulating, analyzing revising, and implementing policies, procedures and best practices in accomplishing program goals and objectives in accordance with Federal, State and local laws (e.g., Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA) Act of 1970 - OSHA, Federal Employees Compensation Act - FECA, Department of Labor, Department of Transportation and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission statutes, etc.), and DoD guidance.

Serves as the technical expert on occupational health related matters to the Adjutant General, Component Commanders, the Chief of Staff and other directorate level staff elements. Provide expert advice to the Adjutant General to protect National Guard personnel against adverse effects of health hazards. Serves as a liaison between all State, NGB and Federal organizations concerning occupational health programs and services.

Ensures all personnel are physically, mentally and psychologically suited for work in field operations and the industrial workplace in order to enhance and aid in proper receipt of medical care and rehabilitation of occupational illness/injury; reduce economic loss caused by physical deficiency; to prevent decreased combat readiness caused by occupational illness/injury to military personnel; and provide corporate review, analysis and management of worker compensation and line of duty costs.

Serves as technical advisor and consultant on occupational health issues to the Civil Support Team, CBRNE Enhanced Force Readiness Package (CEFRP) commanders and the Radiation Safety Program. Provides occupational health support and oversight to all military and civilian personnel units exposed, or potentially exposed to chemical, biological, or radiological hazards in the work environment (e.g., maintenance, medical and aviation, etc.).

Evaluates and administers comprehensive occupational health programs, services and capabilities for military and civilian personnel in the work environment to include field operations, garrison, industrial and administrative sites. Utilizes information management resources such as the DoD Defense Occupational Environmental Health Readiness System (DOEHRS); Medical Operational Data System (MODS); also, utilizes the DoD Occupational Health Program Resource Models; Occupational Health Information System (OHMIS).

Manages the Case Management Program. In coordination with the US Department of Labor (DOL) Regional OHN Consultant, NGB Regional Office of Workers Compensation Program (OWCP) Liaison, and the Director, Human Resources, serves as the local OHN Case Manager Consultant for ensuring development, evaluation, implementation and monitoring a comprehensive medical case management program for civilian employees who have an occupational health related injury or illness.

Develops and maintains a Health Education/Counseling program. Outlines and develops overall requirements and goals to assure comprehensive health education, training, and counseling services. Performs other duties as assigned.